Introduction
A patty melt is a delightful fusion of classic burger and grilled cheese, bringing together the rich flavors of ground beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, all nestled between two slices of crispy rye bread. This recipe is elevated with a special homemade sauce that adds a creamy, tangy touch, making it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for two or impressing guests, this patty melt recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor.
Incorporating both savory and sweet elements, each bite of the patty melt is designed to deliver comfort and satisfaction. The juicy beef patties meld perfectly with the gooey cheddar cheese and the sweet, nutty flavor of caramelized onions. Plus, the unique homemade special sauce enhances the entire experience, making it a dish perfect for any occasion, from an indulgent lunch to a cozy dinner.
What sets this particular patty melt apart is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The rye bread adds an earthy note and crunch, while the melted cheese binds everything together in gooey perfection. This recipe invites you to dive into a world of mouthwatering satisfaction, making it a must-try for those who love hearty, substantial fare.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Servings: 2
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
Ingredients
**Main Ingredients**
– 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for optimal flavor)
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 4 slices of rye bread
– 4 slices of cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
**Special Sauce Ingredients**
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Make the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, blend together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set it aside for later use.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with a sprinkle of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until they are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Shape the Patties: In a mixing bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape each into a patty that is slightly larger than the slices of bread, as they will shrink during cooking.
4. Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your preference. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to allow it to melt.
5. Assemble the Patty Melt: Generously spread the special sauce on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the un-sauced side, layer the caramelized onions, followed by the cheesy patties. Top with another slice of bread, sauce side up.
6. Grill the Sandwiches: Lower the heat to medium-low in the skillet. Gently place the assembled sandwiches into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
7. Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and slice them in half. Serve warm with extra special sauce on the side for dipping.
Preparing the Special Sauce
Combining the Ingredients
When it comes to creating the special sauce for your patty melt, the first step is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This combination not only brings out a delightful creaminess but also introduces various flavor dimensions that will elevate your sandwich.
Mixing Method
Once you have all your ingredients assembled, use a small mixing bowl for convenience. Begin by adding the mayonnaise followed by each condiment and seasoning. Utilizing a whisk or fork, blend these components together until you achieve a smooth and uniform mixture. This step is crucial, as it ensures that each dollop of sauce will contain the same robust flavor profile, enhancing every bite of your patty melt.
Setting Aside
After mixing, it is advisable to let the sauce sit for a moment. Allowing the sauce to rest helps the flavors meld together, creating a more complex taste that will complement the robust flavors of the patty melt. Once set, the sauce is ready for generous spooning onto your rye bread.
Caramelizing the Onions
Selecting the Right Onion
For the caramelized onions, a medium onion is recommended. The natural sweetness of onions becomes pronounced during the caramelization process, providing a perfect balance to the savory elements of the beef and cheese in this recipe. The choice of onion can significantly impact the overall flavor, adding a layer of depth.
Sautéing Technique
To start caramelizing the onions, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, introduce the thinly sliced onions. Sprinkle a little salt over them as this not only seasons the onions but also helps in drawing out their natural sugars, crucial for achieving that desired caramelized effect. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Recognizing Doneness
Patience is key during this step. You should cook the onions for approximately 10-15 minutes, stirring them occasionally. Watch for the beautiful golden-brown hue, which is an indication that they are perfectly caramelized. Once they reach this state, remove them from the skillet and set aside, paying careful attention to prevent any overcooking. This step is essential as overly cooked onions can turn bitter, detracting from the sweet flavor that will enhance your patty melt.
Shaping the Patties
Ground Beef Selection
Choosing the right ground beef is critical for achieving a juicy and flavorful patty. The recommended option is an 80/20 blend, meaning 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio ensures that the beef retains enough fat during cooking to provide moisture and robust flavor without being overly greasy. Leaner meats may result in a drier patty, while higher fat percentages can lead to excessive dripping and flare-ups during cooking.
Portioning the Mixture
When preparing the patties, it’s best to season the ground beef before shaping them. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture and gently combine. This ensures that the seasoning is evenly distributed. After seasoning, divide the beef mixture into two equal portions. Each portion should be sufficient for one serving of the patty melt, but precise weight measurements can be beneficial if you prefer consistency in size.
Forming the Patties
For optimal cooking, shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick and slightly larger than the rye bread slices. This is crucial because the patties will shrink during cooking as the fat renders. Forming them slightly oversized accommodates this shrinkage and ensures that each bite is juicy and meaty.
Cooking the Patties
Skillet Preparation
To prepare for cooking, return to the same skillet where the onions were caramelized. This enriches the flavor of the patties with the residual taste of the onions. Add the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely over medium-high heat. This step is vital as a hot skillet helps lock in the juices of the patties, providing a perfectly seared exterior.
Cooking Perfect Patties
Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the shaped patties to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. For a medium-rare option, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Using an instant-read thermometer can help you achieve your desired doneness accurately. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference, but avoid flipping the patties too soon; this can lead to tearing and prevent a nice crust from forming.
Melting the Cheese
In the last minute of cooking, gently place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty. It’s essential to allow the cheddar to melt thoroughly; a lid over the skillet can aid in this process by trapping heat. The melted cheese will pool beautifully on the savory patties and enhance the decadent texture of the finished sandwich.
Assembling the Patty Melt
Spreading the Special Sauce
The assembly is a crucial moment in crafting the perfect patty melt. Start by taking the slices of rye bread and evenly spreading a generous amount of the prepared special sauce on one side of each slice. The sauce not only adds flavor but also moisture that enhances the overall enjoyment of the sandwich.
Layering Ingredients
On the un-sauced side of each slice of rye bread, layer the caramelized onions followed by the cheeseburgers. The sweetness of the onions complements the savory beef and creamy cheddar, tying the flavors together beautifully. Make sure the onions are distributed evenly to provide a taste of sweetness in each bite.
Final Assembly
Once the layers are complete, take another slice of rye bread and position it on top so that the sauce side is facing outward. This helps during grilling to create a crispy crust while keeping the filling intact. The key is to press gently to ensure everything holds together but not so hard that you squeeze out the contents.
Grilling the Sandwiches
Skillet Temperature Adjustment
After assembling the sandwiches, adjust the heat to medium-low. This lower temperature is important to ensure that the bread crisps gently without burning and that the cheese melts adequately. A balanced temperature allows the insides to heat up without compromising the outer texture.
Cooking Each Side
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between each for even cooking. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread achieves a golden-brown color and a crispy texture. Keep an eye on the sandwiches, as cooking times may vary with different stovetops.
Checking Completion
As the sandwiches cook, gently press down with a spatula to encourage even browning. Once golden, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and allow them to rest for a minute before slicing. Resting allows the cheese to set somewhat, making for a less messy cut.
Serving Suggestions
Cutting and Plating
To serve, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute. This resting period can help the cheese and other fillings stabilize, making it easier to cut into halves or quarters for serving. For best presentation, a sharp knife ensures a clean cut through the toasted bread.
Presentation Ideas
Lay the patty melts onto a wooden board or a colorful plate to enhance visual appeal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a touch of freshness and color contrast. This not only elevates the dish aesthetically but adds an aromatic element.
Extra Sauce on the Side
Offering extra special sauce on the side provides an opportunity for further flavor enhancement as guests can dip their sandwiches into the sauce. This addition is especially popular among those who appreciate extra richness or want to adjust the flavor intensity according to personal preference.
Conclusion
In summary, this patty melt recipe delivers a delightful combination of savory beef, rich melted cheddar, and sweet caramelized onions, further elevated by a unique special sauce. The balance of flavors and textures creates a hearty sandwich that’s both satisfying and indulgent, taking about 40 minutes from prep to plate for two servings. Whether for a casual dinner or a comforting lunch, this dish is sure to please.
Patty Melt with Special Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce by blending mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Caramelize the onions by cooking them in butter with salt over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, divide into two portions, and shape into patties slightly larger than the bread.
- Cook the patties in the skillet with butter over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, adding cheese in the last minute.
- Spread the special sauce on one side of each rye bread slice, layer with caramelized onions and cheesy patties, then top with another slice.
- Grill the sandwiches in the skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and crispy.
- Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve warm with extra special sauce on the side.